Football: Miles: Adversity not a new challenge

With just five days before No. 4 LSU's opening battle with No. 3 Oregon, LSU coach Les Miles is aiming to move the focus from the team's off-field allegations to Saturday's showdown.

Despite the chaotic, headline-filled offseason, Miles said the Tigers have maintained their focus and mentality.

"It's kind of what we've asked our team to do in several different events here – Katrina, Rita, Gustav – really a number of different times where we've had to deal with some adversity," Miles said. "It's an understanding that when we go on the practice field, it's about playing football and developing the team and pursuing excellence. That commitment has really not changed."

In the absence of senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson and junior wide receiver Russell Shepard, Miles said he is turning to others to fill the void, citing senior tight end Deangelo Peterson, junior wide receiver Rueben Randle and freshman receiver Odell Beckham Jr. as potential playmakers.

"We have to make an adjustment, but I don't know necessarily that it's different guys," Miles said. "Our tailbacks are going to have to step in there and possess the ball and allow us to push the ball on our opponents on the ground. It's a different style of quarterback, but it's still the same mission – to get the ball to the guy who has the opportunity to make plays for us."

With the plethora of injuries plaguing the offensive line this fall, Miles said offensive lineman La'El Collins could join Beckham as a freshman who could see action early.

Despite the recent controversies, Miles also said freshman wide receiver Jarvis Landry, who was involved in the Shady's altercation, could make an impact Saturday.

"I don't know that [Landry] is currently in any difficulty with the judicial system," Miles said. "All I know is that he's spoken candidly to anybody that would ask. It appears that we will plan to have him until we know differently."

While all eyes may be fixed on senior quarterback Jarrett Lee filling in for Jefferson, Miles said he isn't ruling out the idea of redshirt sophomore quarterback Zach Mettenberger getting on the field.

"We're seeing how Zach is coming," Miles said. "I would not want to forgo the opportunity that competition would allow this week to play out. But I think right now Jarrett has some advantages certainly with the experience in the offense."

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Contact Mark Clements at mclements@lsureveille.com